[TheForge] bandsaw design question

[Michael H. Murphy]

I have a serious elcheapo band saw that was given to me, with no lowering
mechanism at all.  I put the material in the vise, turn on the saw, and
lower the blade to the material by hand.  After that, gravity takes over.
It was pushing a bit too hard, so I used a counterbalance.  It seems to work
pretty well for me.  Remember, though, I am a hobbyist, and I'm not trying
to make living with this thing.  I would not recommend this particular
machine for any serious work.

Murf

> -----Original Message-----
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:theforge-
> bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Freeman
> Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 2:52 PM
> To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [TheForge] bandsaw design question
> 
> This recent thread on bandsaws made me wonder about the mechanism for
> lowering the saw against the material.  I've seen pneumatic devices.  I
> understand some sort of springs may be used.
> 
> However, wouldn't it  make more sense simply to balance the weight of
> the saw with a counterbalancing arm?  Then weights could be removed
> corresponding to the amount of pressure you want to exert on the piece
> being cut.
> 
> Is such a device in use on any saws?  If not, why not?  Am I missing
> something?
> 
> Bruce
> NJ
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